10 Free or Cheap Family Activities!

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CHEAP FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Are you looking for things to do as a family that won’t break the budget? There are plenty of cheap family activities that are fun and can satisfy even the hardest to please child.

Being tight on money doesn’t have to mean that you can’t do family activities. Get a blank calendar out and start planning out some activities.

Use the list below to schedule some free day events and other great activities now so that you don’t run around spending money on a whim.

Planning ahead is a great way to save a lot of money on family activities and you will see why below. A little research up front goes a long way to saving a lot of money and planning a great day out with the kids.

Plus these budget-friendly activities are fun for the whole family!

10 Cheap and Fun Family Activities!

1. Visit a Museum

Museums are usually inexpensive and often there will be free days. Just google “free museum day” and your city to find out when it is for your area or the area you’re visiting.

You can even do a quick search on Groupon to see if there are any deals or coupons available in case you missed out on any free pass days.

2. Visit a Local Farm

Local farms are another way to enjoy a nice day out on a budget. Some may be free others are really inexpensive. Check your local area for some reviews and make a day out of it and visit a few of them.

Not only will the kids have fun but you will be supporting your local community.

3. Visit the Zoo on a Free Zoo Day

Just Google your city and state and the word “free zoo day’ and see what comes up. In my neck of the woods, the first Saturday of every month is a free day for locals.

The zoo can be expensive otherwise so this is a great way to enjoy the experience and not spend a ton of money. If you do have to pay a fee then bring your own food and drink if allowed because that is where you will spend most of your money.

Think of the entrance fee as going towards the wonderful animals in the zoo.

4. Visit a Firehouse

Most firehouses will arrange tours for kids. This type of activity is an exciting thing for preschoolers and elementary school children alike.

5. Go to a Free Kids Workshop!

Home Depot, Lowes, Michaels, and some other stores have a lot of free kids workshops that are fun and a great learning activity. Your child can learn a new skill and even take a project home all for free!

Check your local store’s website and mark your calendar with all the events.

Local minor league baseball games near your home are usually free or cheap and are fun events to attend with your family. Get your local team’s event calendar and plan to bring some snacks and drinks (if allowed) with you to save some extra money.

7. Volunteer!

Volunteer work is always free and is a great learning experience for you and your children. There are a bunch of ways to get your little ones involved in the community.

For example, there are always soup kitchens and food banks to help out in.

Many cities have gardening clubs that help to spruce up the community. This is really fun because you get to learn gardening and help out the community.

Take your pick with volunteer work, because there is plenty to be done and it teaches your family to help others and give back.

8. Plan a Treasure Hunt

This is super fun for kids. You can plan one at a park or even in your backyard. You can create a theme or just have them look for a surprise. Something simple like a new inexpensive toy or even an old toy (or toys) that they forgot about.

Make it fun by writing out some directions (or a treasure map) for your kids to follow to get to the treasure. You can even plant some clues or mini treasures along the way to get them excited to want to continue.

Have some snacks and drinks with you as well so you can enjoy them before and after the hunt.

9. Play Sports in Your Yard or at the Park

It doesn’t matter what type of a sport you play, but just getting outside and playing baseball, basketball, tag, frisbee, etc. with your kids is a great activity to take part in because it’s active and cheap to play.

10. Take a Hike, go on a Bike Ride, or go Sledding as a Family

These types of activities are always free and most kids will have fun with them. Plan a nice day out, bring a picnic basket and have fun!

If you’re trying to save money, these free and cheap activities are a great idea! Not only are you saving money but you’re also spending quality time with the family. Get the family off of their electronics and outside to enjoy the day!

Do you have fun cheap activities that you do with your family that you want to share? Leave your ideas in the comments below!

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